RAILWAYS IN LONDON

Abstract

This paper examines the current role of railways in London and identifies some of the problems. Many of the problems arise from the historical development of the two systems: the Underground, a metro, and Network SouthEast, a suburban rail service. Both systems were in decline until about 1980. During the 1980s patronage grew, but this caused problems of overcrowding. The performances of both systems, plus the smaller Docklands Light Railway, are considered in detail. The paper examines the problems in terms of those that arise from the nature of railways and those that are peculiar to London. The paper is concluded by a summary of planned developments: the CrossRail scheme, the Jubilee Line extension to Docklands, airport links, the Channel Tunnel Link and the prospects for privatization.